PLANS to build up to 280 homes on the northern edge of the New Forest look set to be approved.

Members of the district council are being urged to support proposals to redevelop a large area of agricultural land between Calmore and the M27 motorway.

The multi-million-pound scheme has been put forward by Bloor Homes and a local landowner, Barker-Mill Estates.

The prospect of almost 300 homes being built on land north of Salisbury Road has sparked several letters of objection from Totton residents.

Matthew Simpson said: "Access to the proposed site is dangerously positioned on an already high-risk road with a history of fatal and grievous accidents.

"Schools in Calmore and Totton are at full capacity."

Mr Simpson says pollution levels in the town centre are already above the national average and claims the proposed development will put nearby residents at risk of respiratory disease.

But other people have written to the council to support the scheme.

Susan Compton, of Windermere Gardens, says: "New and affordable housing is in very short supply and I welcome this development, which will enable our young people to remain in the area.

"Local infant schools do have spare capacity, with land available to expand if needed."

The council's urban design and landscape team have lodged an objection, saying the scheme is neither appropriate nor attractive, while "concerns" have been raised by the council's conservation officer and the New Forest National Park Authority.

But district planning officers are recommending councillors to approve the application at a meeting on Wednesday.

Their report says: "The proposal would deliver much-needed additional housing in the local area, comprising a variety of different house types and a significant proportion of affordable homes.

"Significant new areas of green infrastructure and habitat would be created, resulting in a connected landscape that would benefit both people and biodiversity."

The report admits the scheme will alter the environment but says any negative effects must be balanced against the benefits.

It adds: "Overall, the proposed development is considered to be one that meets the three key objectives of sustainable development.

"It would meet economic objectives by providing homes that would support the local economy.

"It would meet social objectives by creating a safe and attractive addition to the existing settlement of Totton, and it would meet environmental objectives by safeguarding and enhancing the natural environment."